Written answers

Thursday, 16 November 2017

Department of Education and Skills

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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83. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the pupil-teacher ratio of a school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48474/17]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts is published annually on the Department website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.

The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location.

The Staffing Schedule includes the provision where schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts on developing grounds. The staffing schedule also includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. This process includes a provision in which schools that are not gaining an additional teaching post under the developing schools criterion can submit an appeal to the independent Appeals Board. This appeal criterion is targeted at those schools that make a significant contribution to the provision of school places and so assist the response to demographic growth within their area.

The Primary Staffing Appeals Board meets three times per year. The third and final meeting for the 2017/18 school year took place in October, 2017. There is no record of Milltown Nagle Rice School having submitted an application to the appeal board.

The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

In April 2015 the school referred to moved into a new school building provided by my Department to cater for a long term projected mainstream staffing compliment of Principal plus 12 mainstream teachers.

Subsequently, in late 2016, the school referred to submitted an application for additional accommodation due to increases in pupil enrolments. The application was processed, having regard to the demographic information available for the school planning area within which the school in question is located, and it was determined that there was sufficient capacity within the school planning area to meet the demand for primary school places. In that regard the application was not approved.

My Department is currently reviewing updated demographic data nationally, including the school planning area within which the school referred to is located. This review will advise whether any additional demographic demand is required.  In that context the application from the school referred to will be reconsidered and the school authorities will be advised if there is any change in the position.

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